Belgium’s medieval cities have a habit of stealing hearts, cameras and weekends.
Bruges usually gets top billing, all canals and chocolate boxes, but after multiple trips as a UK based budget travel blogger, I’m firmly in the Ghent camp.
This article breaks down Ghent vs Bruges properly, looking at crowds, costs, atmosphere, things to do, food, accommodation and overall value.
Short version: Bruges is beautiful, Ghent is better.
If you want fewer tourists, more authentic local life, equally stunning architecture and noticeably lower prices, Ghent wins.
Here’s why…
Related Posts
- Top Things to Do in Ghent on a Budget
- How to Travel from Brussels to Ghent
- Budget Breakdown for a Weekend in Ghent
Ghent vs Bruges at a Glance
Both cities are in Flanders, both are packed with medieval buildings, canals and cobbles, and both are easy to reach from Brussels.
The difference is how they feel once you arrive.
Bruges is polished and picture perfect, but it can feel like an open air museum.
Ghent is a living city with a big student population, creative energy and locals who actually still live in the centre.
For travellers who care about atmosphere and budget, that matters.
Ghent vs Bruges: Comparison Table
| City | Average Hotel Price Per Night | Main Crowd Type | Food Prices | Overall Vibe |
| Ghent | 90 – 130€ | Students, locals, weekend visitors | Lower | Lively, authentic, creative |
| Bruges | 130 – 180€ | Day trippers, tour groups | Higher | Romantic, polished, tourist focused |
Why Ghent Feels More Authentic Than Bruges
#1 City that Still Belongs to Locals
Ghent is home to one of Belgium’s biggest universities, and that shapes everything from nightlife to food prices.
You’ll see students cycling across medieval bridges, locals drinking beer on canal steps and independent shops that exist for residents, not just visitors.
Bruges, by contrast, has lost much of its local population from the historic centre.
Cruise passengers and day trippers dominate during daylight hours, which can drain the city of spontaneity.
#2 Fewer Tour Groups, More Space to Wander
Ghent gets tourists, but not in the same overwhelming numbers.
You can walk along the Graslei or through the Patershol district without feeling herded.
In Bruges, especially between 10am and 4pm, the streets around Markt and Rozenhoedkaai can feel uncomfortably busy.
Short History: Why These Cities Matter
Ghent’s Powerful Past
Ghent was one of the richest cities in Europe during the Middle Ages thanks to its cloth trade.
At times it rivalled Paris in size and influence.
This wealth paid for grand churches, guild houses and fortifications that still shape the skyline today.
Bruges and the Decline
Bruges flourished earlier, becoming a major trading port in the 13th and 14th centuries.
When its waterways silted up, trade moved elsewhere and the city froze in time.
That’s why Bruges looks so perfectly medieval, but also why it functions less like a modern city.
Things to Do in Ghent: Culture Without The Crowds
#1 Gravensteen Castle
Ghent’s castle sits right in the city centre and looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits about medieval justice, armour and warfare.
Adult tickets cost 13€.
The audio guide is included and adds humour and context without being heavy.
Compared to Bruges’ attractions, this feels excellent value and is rarely overcrowded.
#2 St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
This cathedral houses one of the most important artworks in Europe, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.
Entry to the cathedral is free, while access to the altarpiece costs 16€.
Even if art is not your thing, the scale and detail are astonishing.
The visitor experience is well organised and calm, unlike some of Bruges’ more tour driven museums.
#3 Canal Boat Tour in Ghent
Ghent’s canal tours are shorter and cheaper than Bruges.
Prices start around 11€ for a 40 minute tour.
Commentary focuses on history and architecture without the gimmicks.
If you prefer exploring independently, walking the canals at sunset is completely free and arguably better.
Things to Do in Bruges: Beautiful But Busier
#1 Belfry of Bruges
Climbing the Belfry gives you classic views over the city.
Tickets cost 15€ and there are 366 steps.
It’s impressive, but queues can be long, especially in peak season.
#2 Canal Boat Tour in Bruges
Boat tours here cost around 12 – 15€ and are extremely popular.
Boats are often full, and commentary can feel rushed.
#3 Historic Centre Wandering
Bruges is undeniably pretty, and wandering is its main attraction.
The problem is that you’ll be wandering with thousands of others!
Discover more top things to do in Bruges here!
Where to Eat in Ghent on a Budget
Ghent has a strong food scene with plenty of affordable options, including excellent vegetarian food…
Soup’r A simple, budget friendly lunch spot offering fresh soup with bread. Prices start from 6€. Perfect for a light meal between sightseeing.
Rizoom A casual spot focused on seasonal, mostly vegetarian dishes with big flavours and fair prices. Mains generally land around 14€ to 18€. It feels local rather than touristy and is a good option near the historic centre.
Frituur Tartaar If you want proper Belgian fries without the hype queues, this is a solid choice. Simple, quick and very Ghent.
Mosquito Coast A reliable budget friendly café bar option for breakfast, lunch or an easy dinner. Think sandwiches, wraps and plates in the 10 – 15€ range. Good atmosphere, central location and consistent reviews.
Where to Eat in Bruges on a Budget
Budget eating exists in Bruges, but you have to look harder.
Chez Albert Famous for waffles. Expect around 6€ for a waffle with toppings. Tasty, but queues are long.
Bocca Good value pizzas with mains around 12 – 15€. One of the better affordable sit down options.
That’s Toast Brugge Casual, modern spot ideal for breakfast or lunch. Big, filling toast plates with creative toppings start from around 9 -13€, making it one of the better value daytime eats in Bruges.
Many restaurants near Markt charge noticeably more for similar food compared to Ghent.
Where to Stay in Ghent: Affordable & Well Reviewed
Ghent offers excellent value accommodation close to the centre…
Hotel Gravensteen Located next to the castle, with rooms often priced from 110 – 130€ per night. Well reviewed, central and comfortable.
Ibis Gent Centrum Opera Reliable and affordable, with prices from around 90 – 120€. Clean rooms and a good location near public transport.
B And B Hotel Gent Centrum Modern, good value and well rated. Prices often under 120€ for a double if booked in advance.
Where to Stay in Bruges: Charming But Pricier
Bruges accommodation tends to cost more, especially in the historic centre…
Martin’s Brugge One of the better value central options, but prices often start around 140€ per night.
Ibis Brugge Centrum Reliable, but often more expensive than its Ghent equivalent, usually 130€ plus.
Weekend Budget Comparison
Here are the estimated weekend costs per person comparing Ghent and Bruges.
These figures assume mid-range budget choices and shared accommodation.
| Category | Ghent | Bruges |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 100€ per night | 150€ per night |
| Food | 30 – 40€ per day | 40 – 50€ per day |
| Attractions | 25 – 35€ | 30 – 45€ |
| Total Weekend | 260 – 300€ | 330 – 380€ |
Getting There & Getting Around
Both Bruges and Ghent are easy to reach from Brussels by train.
Trains run frequently and cost around 10 – 15€ one way.
Ghent’s centre is compact and walkable, with excellent cycling infrastructure.
Public transport is cheap and easy to use.
Bruges is also walkable, but navigating crowds can slow you down considerably.
Overall Vibe: Why Ghent Wins
Ghent feels like a city you’re visiting, not a theme park you’re passing through.
It balances beauty with real life, history with modern culture and tourism with local living.
Bruges is stunning, and worth visiting if you have time, but it can feel performative. Ghent feels honest.
Final Verdict: Is Ghent or Bruges Better to Visit?
If you want postcard perfection and don’t mind crowds or higher prices, Bruges delivers.
But if you want character, value for money, fewer tourists and a city that still feels alive, Ghent is the better choice.
For budget travellers, weekend breakers and anyone who prefers substance over spectacle, Ghent quietly outshines Bruges.
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